Cosmetic Dermatology Services
Click here for a detailed list of cosmetic skin concerns & available treatments
Laser Treatment of Facial Veins
Face veins are visible red or blue blood vessels that spread like a web across the face. They form when surface vessels dilate (expand). Though they are not usually harmful, they can be considered cosmetically unappealing. It is not entirely known what causes spider veins, but there are various treatments available.
Age spots, also called liver spots, are flat brown patches on the skin that have darkened in color (“pigmented”) after exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. They are commonly seen in people over the age of 40 on areas of skin that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the hands, shoulders, forearms, face and forehead. Age spots may look unattractive, but age spots are painless and harmless, although their dark color can delay the diagnosis of some skin cancers.
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Laser Hair Removal
Excessive hair growth may arise from puberty, pregnancy, menopause, heredity, medication, diseases or many other causes. Whether for hygienic or cosmetic reasons, the patient who is tired of temporary, often painful methods of removing unwanted hair – from depilatories, epilators and shavers to waxing and electrolysis – may welcome laser and intense pulsed light therapy with relief.
Lasers produce highly focused, intense beams of light that are absorbed by dark pigments in the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface and converted to heat, destroying the follicles and preventing hair growth for up to two years. Multiple treatments are required for complete hair removal because the follicle must be “active” at the time of treatment and not all follicles are active at the same time. Treatments are needle-free and anesthesia-free, with most patients feeling nothing more than a slight sting like the snap of a rubber band.
The most common complication of the procedure is the regrowth of some hair, though it is usually finer and lighter than what was originally removed. Other, rare side effects include redness, swelling, burns and scarring.
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Thermage® for Facial and Eyelid Tightening
Thermage, the latest advance in non-surgical facial rejuvenation is so amazing that it is the hottest news ticket in the country for cosmetic surgery. Thermage has been seen nationally on Oprah, Good Morning America and Good Morning Texas. The following are excerpts from the Oprah show and a web link video of the procedure.
The Thermage procedure is the only radiofrequency device approved by the FDA for the non- invasive treatment of facial wrinkles and lax skin. This technology has been proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours WITH VOLUMETIC RADIOFREQUENCY HEATING OF DEEP DERMAL TISSUE. This treatment results in immediate contraction of collagen in the dermis and its underlying tissue followed by gradual tightening and new collagen formation over several months. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types. While this is not a replacement for a traditional facelift, the Thermage alternative can provide significant tissue tightening and contouring for patients not yet ready or willing to undergo surgery.
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Leg Vein Treatment/Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment for varicose, reticular and spider leg veins (abnormally enlarged blood vessels visible through the skin). The procedure involves injecting a detergent sclerosing agent into the vein, which then causes irritation and corrosion to the walls of the vessel. It then collapses and is absorbed byglycolic the body. These injections are relatively pain free as compared to hypertonic saline used as a sclerosant. The average treatment program is outpatient and takes one to three sessions, depending on the amount of vessels to be treated. After each treatment session patients must wear compression hose for a few days or weeks and are encouraged to walk or exercise and resume regular activities to speed recovery. Sclerotherapy rarely produces scarring or other side effects (typically these involve minor swelling, bruising and itching), although it cannot prevent the recurrence of vascular lesions. Following treatment, the affected veins may darken and the area may appear pigmented but this is temporary and will fade over time. We’ll be happy to discuss both benefits and possible risks of sclerotherapy during your consultation.
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Botox® Costmetic and Dysport
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are natural purified protein produced by the Costridium botulinum bacterium and commonly used to non-surgically reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles creating a younger and more refreshed looking face. Botox and Dysport are the most effective treatments for facial lines that are a sign of aging. Starting in our early thirties, facial lines or wrinkles start to form and are called dynamic lines which are increased by our facial expressions. Those winkles most effectively treated are between the eyebrows (glabella) which deepen when we frown; the lines across our forehead, which are more noticeable when we raise our eyebrows; and the lines around the outside of our eyes (crow’s feet), which are more evident when we smile or squint.
BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the overactive muscles that cause lines to form. BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport work by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscle thereby weakening the underlying muscles that create wrinkles. Over a period of 3-10 days there is a lessening of the appearance of frown lines, laugh lines and crow’s feet. BOTOX Cosmetic therapy and Dysport therapy are temporary and usually last 3-5 months depending on the individual.
Patients who are pregnant, nursing, allergic to albumin (eggs), taking certain antibiotics, affected by any neuromuscular or collagen vascular disease or that have had any recent eye surgery may not use BOTOX Cosmetic or Dysport.
It is unlikely you will develop significant side effects, although some people develop slight temporary bruising and tenderness at the injection site or headache relieved with Tylenol or Advil. In rare cases, there can be a slight and temporary drooping of an eyelid or eyebrow lasting 1-2 weeks. Your doctor can prescribe eye drops to help reverse this side effect. The risk depends on the muscles to be injected and your doctor will discuss this with you fully before treatment.
BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport have found many therapeutic uses in many specialty fields and is growing. In July 2004 the FDA approved the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and underarms.
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Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Collagen Fillers
For eliminations of the fine or deep lines, expression lines and laugh lines on the face and around the eyes and mouth, filling agents such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Collagen Fillers products are available. The effects can be dramatic and immediate with little or no down time. Your physician will discuss and advise you on which fillers or combination of fillers are ideal for your particular cosmetic issue or problem.
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Tattoo Removal
Tattoos of either professional or homemade origin, black or multi-colored can be removed in a number treatment sessions using an Alexadrite laser. The procedures are well tolerated and can frequently result in complete elimination of the tattoo without any residual scarring or discoloration. Please ask your doctor about specifics of the treatment.
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Chemical Peels (TCA/Glycolic Acid)
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes and pre-cancerous growths to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are two types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong – alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) and tricholoroacetic acid (TCA) – and formula strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts for a younger look. They may be covered by insurance if they are performed for medical rather than cosmetic reasons.
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Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing
Fraxel® Laser Treatment is designed to target aging and damaged skin by creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas well beneath the skin's outermost layer. In this way, Fraxel® Laser treatments trigger the body's own natural production of new collagen and skin cells. And because Fraxel® Laser Treatment combines the impact of ablative lasers with the gentleness of non-ablative lasers, healing occurs so quickly that there is very little downtime for patients.
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SilkPeel Dermal Infusion
Experience the feeling of silky, smooth skin with SilkPeel Combination Dermal Infusion system. This procedure has replaced our Microdermabrasion procedure. Read more about SilkPeel Dermal Infusion »
The SilkPeel medical grade diamond tip gently exfoliates and removes surface dead skin cells while the pressurized infusion nourishes the skin with medical grade skincare products for skin revitalization and rejuvenation.
Your skin gets the benefits of both exfoliation and topical dermal infusion simultaneously!
A series of SilkPeel treatments can help with…
• Acne & superficial acne scarring
• Pigmentation & uneven skin tone
• Dehydrated & stressed skin
• Sun damage & rough skin
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Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
People who suffer from excessive sweating go through their day with worry and embarrassment. They worry that others will see the sweat stains on their clothes so they change clothing several times a day. They tend to skip social situations to avoid hugging and waving.
Sweating is normal for it's the body's way to temperature control. However, too much sweating is not normal and usually indicates a medical condition called Hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating is caused by a hyper-function of the sweat glands.
If you find that antiperspirants and powders are not controlling your perspiration, then we highly recommend botox injections. Botox is FDA-approved for sever underarm sweating that is inadequately managed with topical agents.
Botox helps control Hyperhidrosis by temporariliy blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive these signals, the severe sweating stops.
Our Dermatologists can provide a medical assessment and recommend Botox treatment if warranted. To learn more about excessive sweating, please visit www.SweatHelp.org.
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